Clobetasol Shampoo Application Instructions
Apply clobetasol propionate 0.05% shampoo to dry scalp once daily, leave on for 15 minutes, then add water to lather and rinse thoroughly—limit treatment to 2 consecutive weeks maximum, using no more than 50g per week. 1
Application Technique
- Apply to dry scalp: Work the shampoo formulation directly onto dry scalp lesions before wetting, as this maximizes penetration through hair-bearing areas 1
- Contact time: Leave the product on the scalp for approximately 15 minutes to allow adequate absorption 1
- Lathering and rinsing: After the contact period, add small amounts of water to create a lather, then rinse completely 1
- Frequency: Apply once daily for optimal efficacy, as ultrapotent corticosteroids only require once-daily application 1
Critical Duration and Quantity Limits
- Maximum continuous use: Do not exceed 2 consecutive weeks of daily application, as use beyond this significantly increases risk of skin atrophy, telangiectasia, striae, and folliculitis 1
- Weekly quantity limit: Never exceed 50g per week of any clobetasol formulation 1
- Extended use risks: Treatment beyond 4 weeks dramatically increases both cutaneous side effects and systemic absorption, including potential HPA-axis suppression 1
Tapering Protocol After Initial Treatment
- Week 3-4: Switch to alternate-day applications 1, 2
- Week 5-8: Reduce to twice-weekly applications for maintenance 1, 2
- Long-term: Most patients with chronic scalp conditions require intermittent use as needed for flare control 1
Safety Precautions
- Hand hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after each application to avoid inadvertent transfer to sensitive areas like eyes and mouth 3
- Avoid high-risk areas: Never apply to face or skin-fold (intertriginous) areas, which have the highest risk for adverse effects 1
- Monitor for folliculitis: This is the most common adverse effect with scalp application of clobetasol 1, 4
- Watch for systemic effects: Using >50g per week or treating large body surface areas can cause HPA-axis suppression 1, 5
Expected Outcomes
- Efficacy: 81% of patients achieve 50% or better clearing of scalp psoriasis after 2 weeks of twice-daily clobetasol solution 1
- Foam formulation: 74% of patients reach clear or almost clear status with twice-daily clobetasol foam for 2 weeks 1, 5
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Continuous daily use beyond 2 weeks: This is the most frequent error and substantially raises the risk of skin atrophy and other local adverse effects 1
- Applying to wet hair first: This dilutes the medication and reduces efficacy; always apply to dry scalp 1
- Exceeding weekly dose limits: Using >50g per week increases systemic absorption and risk of HPA-axis suppression 1
- Abrupt discontinuation: Always taper gradually rather than stopping suddenly to prevent rebound flares 1, 2